Creating Laws in Nevada
The Nevada State Legislature is the body that decides which laws and regulations apply to all citizens of Nevada. The Legislature's power is held in check to some degree by the governor's veto power. Citizens can also have a hand in creating laws through the initiative process, allowing us to deal with issues the Legislature may be reluctant to tackle or lacks the political will to address.
Some Nevada Laws and Statutes
- Nevada Liquor Laws
- Legal Prostitution in Nevada
- Nevada Sex Offender Registry
- Nevada Domestic Partnership Act
- Nevada Medical Marijuana Program
- Washoe County & Nevada Taxes
Changing Laws, Making New Laws
Because the Nevada Legislature meets on a biennial basis (only every two years), changing and making laws can be a lengthy process. In addition, many regulations are embedded in the Nevada State Constitution - amendments to make changes require a vote of the people and can literally take years to accomplish.
The 76th Regular Session of the Nevada Legislature passed a number of new laws. Some were signed by the governor and some became law without his signature by not being vetoed withing the statutory time limit. Some proposals were not acted on and died before getting out of the Assembly or Senate.
One new law in particular should make driving in Nevada a little safer. Thanks to Senate Bill 140, it is now illegal to text or hand-hold a cell phone while driving. Hopefully, people will take this seriously and cease with this dangerous practice.
Local Governments in Nevada
In addition to the Nevada Legislature, local government entities (such as cities and counties) enact rules and regulations that apply in their own jurisdictions. Sometimes laws that are statewide can be modified locally for various reasons. An example of this is the sales tax. The basic Nevada sales tax is 6.85%, but it varies from county-to-county due to a number of additional levies. The highest is Clark County at 8.1%.
Legal prostitution is a county option in rural Nevada counties. State law prohibits prostitution is urban counties (currently only Washoe and Clark), but leaves it up to local governments whether or not to license brothels.
